JournalismCutting edge commentaries on the critical issues facing journalism at the practical, theoretical and media industry level

The aim of the journalism series of talks is to:... read more

• Provide cutting edge commentaries on the critical issues facing journalism at both the practical, theoretical and media industry level
• Examine the powerful forces rapidly changing the nature of journalism
• Place journalism in its ethical, legal and regulatory context
• Outline the theoretical contexts in which journalism is debated

The media play a key part in the dissemination of information to the public at every level. Understanding the way the media and journalism works is vital in understanding the modern world.

Journalism is in a period of unprecedented change across the world. New technology has put the traditional forms of journalism in doubt without clarity for the future. In many developed countries observers claim the commercial pressures on the media result in the ‘dumbing down’ of journalism. In many developing countries the media is struggling against powerful vested interests and corruption.

Professional journalists have been slow to engage with the debates over journalism, media and communication that take place in academia. The failures of journalism in recent years notably over Iraq and the credit crisis have finally created introspection in the profession. In this period of unprecedented change journalism professionals are recognizing that the profession needs a more rigorous intellectual and ethical underpinning if it is to develop the skills and transparency it needs to create or restore public trust.

This series of talks will critically evaluate the normative and empirical connections between journalism, the production of news and media control. It provides a critical forum for the study of journalism as a subject for professional, academic and intellectual inquiry.